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Strategies for Cultivating and Stimulating Non-Cognitive Factors among Secondary School Students in Physical Education from the Perspective of Self-Determination Theory

Author(s)

Sun Zhangzhe, Liu Yue

Affiliation(s)

College of Physical Education and Health, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi, China

Abstract

In the practice of secondary school physical education (PE), problems such as insufficient motivation for sports learning, low participation enthusiasm, and weak persistence in sports-related behaviors are commonly observed among students. These issues are often closely associated with the inadequate development of non-cognitive factors in physical education. As an important psychological foundation influencing students’ attitudes toward sports learning, emotional experiences, and behavioral choices, non-cognitive factors play a vital role in enhancing the effectiveness of PE instruction and fostering lifelong engagement in physical activity. Self-Determination Theory (SDT) emphasizes the critical role of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in stimulating intrinsic motivation, thereby providing an important theoretical perspective for understanding and improving secondary school students’ motivation in physical education. Based on a systematic review of the core concepts of Self-Determination Theory and considering the practical context of secondary school students’ sports learning, this study analyzes the major problems existing in the cultivation of non-cognitive factors in physical education. Furthermore, it proposes corresponding instructional strategies from the perspectives of supporting autonomy, enhancing competence, and satisfying relatedness needs. the aim is to provide theoretical references and practical implications for the cultivation of students’ non-cognitive factors and the effective enhancement of learning motivation in secondary school physical education.

Keywords

Self-Determination Theory; Non-Cognitive Factors; Secondary School Students; Physical Education

References

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